Flat Rock fire chief outlines 2025 calls and seeks $46,663.50 grant funding to outfit new engine

Interim Fire Chief James Hubbard told the council the Flat Rock Fire Department responded to 1,469 calls in 2025, including 1,292 rescue calls, 24 vehicle accidents and 177 fire calls. He said the department hired three veteran firefighter‑paramedics to full‑time status last year and distributed more than 100 smoke and carbon‑monoxide detectors through a community program.

Hubbard described outfitting work needed to place a recently acquired engine into service: cabinet inserts, brackets for equipment, battery‑operated lights and extrication tools, a foam system, outlets for battery chargers and additional gauges on each side of the pump panel. He said the equipment and modifications would be covered by a GRAMA grant totaling $46,663.50. "All of those things will be covered by the grant," Hubbard said.

Hubbard also outlined training and preparedness plans: universal pump training for staff so every operator uses the new engine the same way, enhanced recruitment through targeted advertising and third‑party testing services (Emco), and expanded water‑rescue capabilities after three water rescues in 2025. He noted the only remaining item before the engine is in service is a radio installation and related speaker hardware.

The council moved and approved funding for the engine outfitting by voice vote.